Microsoft dismisses homebrew comparisons between XNA and PS3 Linux.

Mike Bantick
Friday, 15 December 2006 05:06

Your IT - Entertainment

Sony’s PlayStation 3 can act as a limited Linux platform.  Is it reasonable to compare this feature to the XNA development kit for Xbox 360?  In the increasing tit for tat media war, it is refreshing to see Microsoft dousing the flames with perspective.

In a forthcoming interview on gamasutra, Dave Mitchell, Director of Marketing for Microsoft’s Game Developer Group discusses his vision of creating a world of “garage” created game goodies with the newly release XNA software. 

XNA can be used to create playable content for the Xbox 360, it fits the Microsoft online strategy for its gaming platform nicely.  Part of the offering is the reklease of the XNA Creators club where – for a US$99 annual fee – aspiring game developers can access and share Microsoft key partner’s game assets.

During the interview Mitchell is asked if the PS3’s ability to run a cut down Linux, would be seen as a competitor to the XNA offering?  In my opinion he handles the question well;  "On the one hand I've got to commend them for moving up their platform there, but we really don't view what Sony and PlayStation 3 and particularly the Linux solution that they are making available - we don't really view that as a competitive offering or trying to do something in the same vein."

He continued: "The fundamental difference here is not just about providing access to a platform, it's really about making an investment in something, and ensuring that people who will want to make games on your game console are successful in doing that... What we are focused on doing is providing great tools at a free or low price point that are going to enable consumers to be absolutely successful at creating games for both the Windows and the Xbox 360 platforms."

Things are hotting up even further in the home console game arena, this current batch of consoles sees a further maturing of the product.  Coupled with services like XNA for Xbox 360, Wii Channels from Nintendo, and the raw power of Linux and Blu-ray on PS3, 2007 will see further increase in anticipation of the possibilities to come.